Reds DFA Mike Stanton

Can’t say that I exactly understand this one, but the Reds have informed Mike Stanton that his services are no longer required. It’s not that Stanton is too good to let go — far from it, actually. Rather, the move is puzzling because of the team’s recent decision to option lefty reliever (and former first-rounder) Bill Bray to the minors last night. Jeremy Affeldt stands as the team’s lone lefty reliever.

Stanton was pretty bad for the Reds last year, posting a 5.93 ERA over 57.2 innings. His splits against lefties weren’t that encouraging, either: .306/.333/.429. The Reds will eat the $3 million he’s owed this year, plus the $500K buyout of his 2009 option.

UPDATE: Apparently, I’ve passed over Kent Merker, who is not on the Reds 40-man roster. However, with the jettison of Stanton, a spot now appears free.